RUSTENBURG HERALD - RUSTENBURG - The Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court granted the reopening of the bail hearing on the Ben Gumbi murder case after an application by the defence. The matter was postponed to 5 October for closing arguments.
Sibongiseni Ngubane (33), who is the accused in the matter, took to the stand and testified that he is an Uber driver and he will suffer loss of income if he is not released on bail. He further testified that his life would not be endangered should bail be granted. During cross examination, the state asked him why he used a stolen vehicle, which was later abandoned, instead of his registered Uber vehicle, as he claimed he was just hired to transport people to Rustenburg.
He was further interrogated on the R15000 which he alleges was his payment for the transport service. "The state will argue strongly against the granting of bail after consulting with the investigating officer. The investigating officer, in taking the stand, prior to the reopening of the bail hearing, urged the court to consider seriousness of the offence, as the accused is facing a schedule 6 offence of premeditated murder. He further alluded to the safety of the accused against three other suspects who were on the run and may endanger his life. The accused was also pointed out at an identity parade by several witnesses. The state further highlighted the community's interest in the matter, following the circulation of a recording of the alleged incident on social media platforms. The state also urged the court to consider the gruesome manner in which the alleged murder was committed," Henry Mamothame, Northwest spokesperson for the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) said.
According to the police, Ngubane was arrested by members of a multi-disciplinary team, which was established after the ruthless murder of Ben Gumbi. He was arrested on 12 September in Germiston after attending a court case in which he is facing a charge of armed robbery, wherein he is out on R3000 bail.
Ngubane also has a pending case of possession of a firearm and ammunition in Alberton, wherein he was granted R1000 bail.
Gumbi (49) was gunned down by two men outside a restaurant in the Rustenburg on 23 August. The suspects then fled the scene in a blue Volkswagen Polo - which was found a few minutes after the incident, abandoned at the corner of Helen Joseph and Loerie Streets. The car was confirmed to have been stolen, and the number plates on the car were false.
Meanwhile the search for three other suspects is still on.
